John D. Tallman

John D. TALLMAN Born and raised in Seattle, John resided here for 43 years before moving to Ventura, California. John attended Madrona Elementary, Meany Junior High, and Garfield High, where he graduated in 1947. He attended the U. of W., where he swam varsity three years and upon graduation joined the US Navy as an officer. Married to Marilyn Newcomb later that year, they lived in California and Hawaii before returning to Seattle. John returned to school and earned a Masters Degree in Kinesiology. John's interest in swimming continued and he joined forces with Bob Regan and Bob Miller to form Olympic Swim Schools. They expanded from Lake City to Lynnwood and Bellevue and formed Cascade Swim Club, the major AAU club in the northwest. Several Olympic Games swimming medallists were among their swimmers. John coached University of Washington swim team and became an assistant athletic director under Joe Kearney. He accepted an offer as Assistant Director at Ventura Community College district in part because the climate would be better for Marilyn who had multiple sclerosis. While in California John continued coaching and progressed to administrative duties including Vice Chancellor for instruction. Upon retirement in 1993, he was elected to the college district governing board, serving a total of eight years. John had many hobbies. He was an avid scuba diver and held the world record octopus wrestling. He speared the largest ling cod according to the record books. Wine making became a serious avocation in California as did palm tree raising. John is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 52 years; his two sisters, Ellen Roe of Seattle and JoAnne Tallman of Anacortes; four sons; Steve, Karl, Rick, and Gerry, and six grandchildren.